10 Heartburn Symptoms & More
Heartburn may range from slight discomfort to a burning pain in a person's chest that feels unbearable. It's characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest that feels like it's just behind the breastbone, and it can move up to the throat and neck.
The pain may sometimes be worse just after consuming a meal or when a person is lying down. Knowing the symptoms of heartburn is essential because the symptoms may sometimes mimic another more serious condition. This health issue is typically easily managed with over-the-counter medications and a few simple lifestyle changes.1‘Heartburn.’ Mayo Clinic, 17 April 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
Burning
A burning pain in the chest is among the more common symptoms of heartburn. This discomfort can last a few minutes to hours, depending on severity and cause. It takes place in the center of the chest, which is one of the ways to distinguish it from other conditions with similar symptoms.
The burning feeling may also make its way to the throat area, causing even more discomfort, and contribute to an acidic taste in the person's mouth. While medication may sometimes alleviate this discomfort, more severe cases may require additional intervention.2‘Heartburn.’ Cleveland Clinic, 1 January 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
Issues With Swallowing
Because heartburn is a burning feeling that happens when the stomach acid goes back up into the esophagus, the individual may have some issues swallowing once this process is in motion.
The process of swallowing may cause the individual to feel the same burning sensation in their throat as well. The acid from the stomach lining may cause pain or discomfort as it flows back in the other direction, making the individual feel even worse.1‘Heartburn.’ Mayo Clinic, 17 April 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
Worsening Discomfort With Movement
Heartburn can sometimes worsen when the individual in question lays down or bends over. Among the reasons that the pain worsens with this movement is because the person is making it easier for the acid to travel through the esophagus and out of the stomach.1‘Heartburn.’ Mayo Clinic, 17 April 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
This is one of the reasons that those who have bouts of heartburn should refrain from immediately laying down after meals. This will give the food time to process through the digestive system.
Risk Factors
Some people are just more prone to heartburn than others. However, there are risk factors to be considered. For instance, spicy foods may contribute to heartburn in some individuals.
Consuming large, fatty meals too quickly without chewing properly, drinking too many carbonated beverages and eating late into the evening or midnight snacks may also contribute to heartburn.1‘Heartburn.’ Mayo Clinic, 17 April 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223 Obesity and pregnant women are also more prone to bouts of heartburn.1‘Heartburn.’ Mayo Clinic, 17 April 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
Complications
Frequently occurring heartburn can cause complications down the road. For instance, the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, may cause damage to the esophagus over time. This may even require surgical intervention.
Frequent heartburns in association with GERD may also cause precancerous growth changes in the esophagus.2‘Heartburn.’ Cleveland Clinic, 1 January 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview Heartburn can also compromise an individual's quality of life and make it challenging for them to share in communal meals.
Lifestyle Factors
In addition to what a person eats, lifestyle factors may play a role in the frequency of heartburn for some. For instance, smokers may be more prone to bouts of heartburn than their nonsmoking counterparts.
Individuals who wear overly tight clothing that restrict the stomach or those that must cope with high levels of stress on a regular basis may also find themselves more prone to heartburn as well.2‘Heartburn.’ Cleveland Clinic, 1 January 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
When To Call a Doctor
In most instances, heartburn can be managed at home with over-the-counter options. However, in some instances, when heartburn occurs no matter what a person does, medical intervention may be necessary.
In these instances, making an appointment with a physician can determine if there is an underlying cause for the heartburn and how it can be managed to avoid interfering with quality of life. Individuals may also consider calling a doctor if there are other symptoms present in addition to heartburn.2‘Heartburn.’ Cleveland Clinic, 1 January 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
Diagnostics
Those that struggle with heartburn without any cause may require testing to determine the reason. Practitioners generally conduct an endoscopy to look at the digestive tract to determine if there's an obvious cause for the heartburn and how to treat it.2‘Heartburn.’ Cleveland Clinic, 1 January 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
In these situations, more advanced treatment than over-the-counter medications may be necessary to manage whatever condition is contributing to the episodes of heartburn and the frequency in which they are occurring.
Treatment
In most instances, heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter medication to manage the symptoms. Along with lifestyle changes, this may be enough to manage the issue when it comes up from time to time.
Those with chronic heartburn may require more intervention, such as prescription medication or even surgical intervention, if there are other comorbidities contributing to the issue.2‘Heartburn.’ Cleveland Clinic, 1 January 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview This is the reason why it's important to see a medical professional if the issue is a chronic one.
Heartburn and Chest Pain
One of the most important elements of managing heartburn is making sure that what a person is feeling really is just heartburn. Those that are experiencing symptoms of heartburn in association with any kind of chest pain or pressure should consider finding immediate medical assistance.
The combination of heartburn and chest pain in the form of pressure, as well as signs like jaw or arm pain, could be symptoms of a heart attack.1‘Heartburn.’ Mayo Clinic, 17 April 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
